Friday, August 24, 2018

On Sunday, August 18, 372 runners participated in Calspan's first ever Run the Runway 5K at the Niagara Falls International Airport. It was the first race of its kind in Western New York, and a very special experiences. The race took place over the runways
and taxiways of the airport, which is shared with the US military. Most of this
space is never open to the public.

The event was coordinated by Eclipse
Multi-Sport, a local race management company. Proceeds from the race went to
Friends of Family Support Association - 914th Tactical Airlift Wing, which
assists local families with members in the military, and the Niagara Aerospace
Museum.

Among the finishers, the NFTA was
represented by Mike Moore (pictured right), Bruce Izard and Carolyn
Concannon.

The event was such a success,
planning has already begun for next year! Stay tuned more information soon.

Tuesday, August 21, 2018

The 16th annual Puerto Rican and Hispanic Day Parade and Festival sponsored by the Hispanic Heritage Counsel was held August 18-19, and NFTA Metro was thrilled to be a part of the festivities again this year.

As part of its participation, Metro provided two "floats" in Saturday's parade; one 40 foot Metro bus driven by Operator Mike Mercado, who also helped organize Metro's participation in the parade, and a new low-floor paratransit van driven by Operator Lance Zee. Both vehicles were accompanied by 25 proud and dedicated Metro employees donning specially designed festival T-shirts. The team walked along in the parade from Niagara Square to LaSalle Park while handing out token Puerto Rico flags and candy to parade-goers of all ages. Later that day, the Metro marching team were thrilled to learn that they had received third place in the float competition.

Saturday morning's Metro
community engagement team

"It was so great to be a part of this event on behalf of Metro and to witness the comradery between our riding public and our operators. Individuals were coming up and warmly embracing our operations staff out of mutual respect and friendship. It just goes to show how important Metro and its drivers are within this community," said Misael (Mike) Hernandez, a former bus driver whose current position is in Metro accounting.

Festival-goers also had the opportunity to visit the Metro community tent where staff was on hand to discuss
Metro services, job opportunities as well obtain responses to Metro's newest customer survey. Visitors who took the survey had a chance to enter to win one of three monthly passes.

There were over 8,000 attendees at this year's esperanza-themed event meaning "hope," which helped serve as a reminder of the ongoing hurricane relief efforts for
Puerto Rico.

Thursday, August 9, 2018

On August 1, the NFTA's TAPD Chief of Police George Gast presented certificates of appreciation to Tremain (Tony) Cason of the NFTA's Customer Service Department and Bobby Morland from the Facilities Maintenance Division. Both gentlemen were recognized for their assistance with the NFTA's Transit Police Officers while on duty at our downtown bus terminal.
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Tony has often helped officers working at the MTC by providing Metro system information for those travelers who have been distraught or alone in travel, and Bobby, while working within the bus terminal, has on critical occasions come to the aid of our officers who were dealing with combative issues or physical struggles.

﻿"We appreciate the quick and proactive assistance both of these gentlemen have provided to Officer David Zarbo and other TAPD officers while working at the MTC. Their behind-the-scenes efforts are truly commendable," said Chief George Gast.

The newest edition of the NFTA's Pit Crew Campaign highlights Safe Lifting and features Airfield Supervisor, Tim Meyers, who has worked at the NFTA for 39 years.

The new "Lift Safely" poster brings attention to the proper way to lift heavy items. A couple of tips include the following: 1) stand close to the object, 2) squat down by bending knees while keeping stomach tight, 3) pull load close, 4) as you rise, lift with your legs, 5) avoid turning body, and 6) most importantly -always ask for help when needed. Tim was chosen for this campaign due to his commitment to safe work practices for both himself and within his team. He currently works as the NFIA's Airfield Supervisor where he oversees 13 employees. Prior to this role, he has held various positions at the NFTA, starting as a custodian at the Buffalo Airport.

Tim is a father of four children and also serves as Town Councilman for the Town of Cheektowaga. Please join in congratulating him on being selected to represent the NFTA in this authority-wide safety initiative.